Benes To Coach USK; Sulciute To Avenida

Lubor Blazek has stepped down as coach of USK Prague but will continue at the helm of the Czech national team

ZVVZ USK Prague boss Lubor Blazek has reached a mutual decision with the club to leave the bench and take on another role with the Czech giants.

The outfit has promoted his assistant, Ivan Benes, to the head coaching position.

The team's general manager, Marek Kucera, said: "It is the outcome of a mutual agreement between the club's management and Lubor Blazek.

"The work of head coach is very demanding, and mentally hard, and Lubor will now be able to have more rest.

"In our club, however, he still remains."

In a statement issued by USK Prague, both Blazek and Benes commented on the changes.

Blazek, who also serves as the coach of the Czech Republic national team and will lead them at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Women in Ankara, Turkey, next month, said: "In the position of head coach, I was at this level for 30 seasons, and after 30 years, one simply needs to stop, turn around and think for himself about the work from a different position.

"For my part, I can say that I am very glad I have this option.

"I also think it would be better with regard to the Czech national team because combining work in the club and national team is extremely difficult as one goes from one job to another.

"This change will allow me to concentrate more on my work as the national team coach.

Benes now has a great opportunity before him to lead a club that has had a deep squad of good players in recent seasons.

Lithuanian Egle Sulciute averaged 4.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in her four EuroLeague Women games with Galatasaray